Over the past two days we’ve gotten a real glimpse into the mind of a former terrorist, and today we’ll hear his thoughts about key issues in the Middle East.  If you missed the previous two days, I encourage you to get the full picture by reviewing Part 1 and Part 2 before jumping into today’s piece.

 

Let’s login to Part 3 of The furious insignificance of Hamas.  According to the first two paragraphs, who supports Hamas and how are funds raised?

 

Recall our observation earlier, that Iran is predominately Shia Muslim.  Hamas, on the other hand, is predominately Sunni Muslim.  The two factions, though they have the common goal of destroying Israel, are also rival factions.  Thus, Joseph throws out a legitimate question: Why would Iran (Shia) help Hamas (Sunni) in the first place?  What is Joseph’s answer to that question?

 

Not surprisingly, that unlikely partnership involves the wicked former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  However, Joseph’s next statement may be a surprise.  Who, other than Iran, continues to play a key role in the destabilization of the region?  (See first paragraph after the picture of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.)

 

How does the US keep conflict burning between Israel and the Palestinians?  Do you agree?  Why or why not?

 

What does Joseph say is the worst case scenario in the West Bank?  (See first paragraph following the picture of Hamas rocket launchers.)

 

Unlike the Gaza Strip, Hamas will not likely gain control of the West Bank.  Why?

 

What does Joseph identify as the “chief obstacle to peace and reconciliation?”  What stands in the way of dialogue, compromise and agreement?

 

Joseph clearly states his assessment in the very last paragraph of his article:

Only if the people of the Middle East get rid of Islam, will they be able to deal with their problems and live in peace again with one another. Otherwise, Islam will continue to be the spoiler.

 

A man who clearly understands the mindset and the methods of Hamas has come to see that many things…government, control, victory and life itself…are impossible without the God of the Bible.

 

Pray for Joseph and others like him who know and understand the culture of the Muslim world, and who reach out in love to their own people to help introduce them to the One True and Living God.

 

I trust you have enjoyed meeting Joseph.  For a deeper understanding of the mindset of Hamas, you may find it interesting to read his blog posts.  I also trust you have enjoyed this week’s study!  Tomorrow we’ll jump into a brief look at Islam and the Quran, and this coming week we’ll attempt to answer the question, “Is Islam a religion of peace?”  I hope you’ll stick around!